Valkyries have one great responsibility: to return immortals to the afterlife by slaying them. As a Valkyrie, Malin has always known that the balance of the world rests on her ability to carry out orders. But when Malin discovers that her mother spared the life of an immortal who was destined to die, her world is thrown into chaos.

Malin not only wrestles with the knowledge that her mother might not be who she thought—she’s also thrust into the path of a gorgeous blue eyed guy named Asher who needs her help slaying the rogue immortal who destroyed his family. The balance of the world is at stake. And, as Asher competes with Malin’s ex for her love and loyalty, so is her heart.

Game of Thrones meets Blade Runner in this commanding new YA fantasy inspired by Norse Mythology from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.

Between the Blade and the Heart is the first book in a new young adult norse mythology duology by Amanda Hocking. It is called the Valkyrie duology and the second part is due out in April of this year, which is super nice because you don’t have to wait very long in between the two books. This is perfect for me because I am already itching to find out what is going to happen next. Between the Blade and the Heart was a great read. It is the kind of book that kept getting better and better. It took me about 50 pages or so to get into the story, but after that point I was totally hooked.

Between the Blade and the Heart follows our main character, Malin, who is a Valkyrie in training. But right as she nears the end of her training, she finds out a secret that kind of shakes everything she believes in. This secret sets her off on a quest with the help of her ex, her roommate, her mom and a yummy guy (named Asher). On her journey she uncovers all kinds secrets and we meet all kinds of creatures. I loved learning about the different traits of the various creatures she is sent to return, or she encounters along the way. Amanda Hocking did an excellent job fleshing out not only the world of the Valkyrie, but all of the creatures and inhabitants that reside inside the world. Malin is a great main character and the whole cast of secondary characters really takes the story to the next level.

The plot is fantastic, so I can so both character driven and story driven readers falling in love with Between the Blade and the Heart. I also really enjoyed the romantic interest. It was a great slow burn. For a while there, I didn’t really know which way this story was going to go in the romance sense. (you will know what I mean if you read the book.) The end of this story totally gutted me and then it left me aching for more! I need the second book ASAP.

Bottom line: Fans of mythology, urban fantasy and paranormal books will love Between the Blade and the Heart. It was everything I was hoping it would be and then some. I really loved this book. I read it in one afternoon and I was left wanting the second book immediately. What a great way to start 2018!

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About Amanda Hocking

Amanda Hocking is a lifelong Minnesotan obsessed with Batman and Jim Henson. In between watching cooking shows, taking care of her menagerie of pets, and drinking too much Red Bull Zero, she writes young adult urban fantasy and paranormal romance.